Published: 6/8/2023 12:48:20 PM
Kids throughout Concord and the surrounding areas will be able to join in the fun at the new splash pad in White Park this summer, which opens next week.
The aquatic attraction will feature 25 familiar splash and spray elements like flower ornaments, tumble buckets, surface sprays and a mushroom raindrop.
What was once a kiddie pool has since been replaced with a new splash pad to provide more family-friendly fun in the city, with less staffing, a longer season and a more inclusive recreational experience, according to a general services news release.
“We’ve spent a lot of time working on this project and are incredibly excited for the community to get to enjoy it,” said Jay Burgess, Superintendent of Public Properties. “We anticipate that this new spot will easily become a crowd favorite.”
The official ribbon cutting and grand opening will take place on Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. while the official expected season opening for all pools will follow on Sunday, June 18. As Concord Parks and Recreation continue to hire more staff, seasonal hours for the pools and splash pad will be updated and available at www.concord.gov/pools.
Access to the pools and the splash pad are free for Concord and Penacook residents with identification. Non-residents can buy a season pass for $125 or a 48-hour pass for $20. Passes are valid for use at all locations and are available for purchase at the City Wide Community Center at 14 Canterbury Road.
Construction on the splash pad began in August with the removal of the old pool and excavation to install new piping, filtration, pumps, underground storage tanks and an automated chlorine system to continuously maintain chemical levels and water chemistry. A UV light system was also added for an extra level of disinfection.
By September, truck loads of concrete were delivered as crews laid the base of the oblong splash pad that will hold 25 different structures for children to enjoy.
Landscaping was enhanced with new plants, mulch and hard scapes that include a new stone seating retainment wall repurposed from previous city projects and the installation of a black aluminum perimeter fence to replace the former metal chain link fence. Bathroom facilities were updated, water-conserving showers were installed and the drinking water fountain was upgraded to a dual fountain and a bottle refill station.
This is the fifth pool renovated in recent years as part of a multi-year commitment by city officials to upgrade all of the city’s community swimming pools. Most recently completed was the pool at Merrill Park in 2021.
Construction for the splash pad, which was included in last year’s budget, cost the Parks and Recreation Committee $650,000 while the renovation of the kiddie pool would have cost an estimated $550,000.
Concord General Services worked with H.L. Turner Group, SSG Pools & Spas, Milestone Construction, Apex Enterprises, Tasker Landscaping and Raymond Excavating to bring this project to life.